Significant increase in Offaly children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme

New figures have revealed that Offaly currently has 2,853 children on the National Childcare Scheme leading to an 18% rise in 2025 compared to 2024.

This marks one of the strongest growth rates in the country for children on the National Childcare Scheme which provides subsidies that significantly reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for families across the country.

Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack has welcomed the increase in the number of children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme in Offaly. 

Speaking on the announcement of the new data, Deputy McCormack commented: "I am delighted to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague and Minister for Children, Norma Foley, that there are now 2,853 children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme in County Offaly."

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As part of her duties, Minister Foley is implementing more measures in 2026 that will help reduce the cost of childcare for low-income families.

This will include new, lower maximum fee changes for families paying the higher prices and higher subsidies for lower income families which is expected to be introduced in September. 

At a national level, around 245,000 children have benefitted from the Scheme in 2025 which shows a 12% increase from 2024.

This rise reflects the Government’s investment in the sector, including a 53% increase in the minimum hourly National Childcare Scheme subsidy introduced in September 2024.

Tony McCormack TD praised the influence the initiative is having on families as he explained: "This Scheme is having a very positive impact on families right across the county. Reducing the cost of childcare and ensuring it is affordable for families is a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government."

He concluded: "Further measures will be introduced this year to help reduce childcare costs, particularly for low-income families. Fianna Fáil is the party of education, and we are committed to supporting families during the crucial early years."